Theme

Graduation parties are a great way to honor the accomplishments of a friend or family member. If you're planning a Graduation party, it's important to address even the smallest details to make sure the party is memorable for everyone.

Party Plans

Planning and hosting a party should be fun, not stressful! Make sure you plan ahead, starting at least 6-8 weeks in advance, so that you're not rushed the day of the party. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtful planning and attention to detail, and you'll enjoy yourself more throughout the party planning process.

One of the most important first decisions you have to make is deciding what type of Graduation party you will have. The rest of the party plans can build from there. Consider a variety of locations and format options before you make your decision - open house, party, sit down dinner, beach party, or even a get together with fellow graduates. Will your party be large or small? Do you want your celebration to be focused on Graduation, or will you try to incorporate another theme into the party (i.e. Luau, Margaritaville, etc.). Your budget will help determine the ideal number of guests and the format that's right for you.

Planning a party should be fun for all, including the graduate! Make sure to include him/her in the pre-party planning, such as developing the guest lists, selecting the decorations, choosing the photos and music, and planning the menu. This will also help to ensure that the graduate has fun at this event in his/her honor.

Set a budget. Before you make any purchases or deposits, put together a list of all your expenses by item. If the total expenses are more than your budget, think of how you can creatively reduce your expenses by trimming some of the less important items. If necessary you may also need to trim your guest list.

Deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly. If you expect out of town guests, contact them prior to sending out invitations so they can schedule travel/hotel reservations as needed.

Date/Schedule

Scheduling a time for your Graduation event can be difficult, as you often must work around other Graduation parties and end of year school events. It's best to schedule a date/time far in advance to help avoid conflicts. Consider selecting a time of the day or the week that might be a little out of the ordinary for your area to again avoid "competing" with other graduation parties. Generally, the earlier the event, the greater the turnout. Another option is scheduling your event a month before graduation, or prior to going off to college to again prevent unnecessary conflicts that would prevent your guests from attending.

The length of your party will vary depending on the theme, the number of guests, the type of food served, and any other activities scheduled during the event. Think about the events, and allocate time appropriately.

Guests

It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when determining the guest list for your Graduation party. But remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. Determine what will work best for you, your party setting, and your budget.

If the party is a large event with lots of guests, recruit some friends who are willing to lend a helping hand. This will make the party more enjoyable for you as the host, and it will also help ensure that the party goes smoothly. Decorations, food preparation, and photography are all tasks that can be delegated to helpful friends so that you can greet guests.

Location

Selecting a location for your Graduation party is a critical first step that may eventually require additional follow up. Depending on the option you select, your location may have a small or large impact on your budget.

A Graduation party in your home can be a cost effective option, but could force you to limit your guest list if space is a concern. You might also need to rent additional tables and chairs to accommodate all of your guests.

Reserving space at a catering facility, clubhouse, hotel, restaurant, local park, church, or other venue may provide more flexibility and room for guests, but will also take more of your budget. To minimize expenses, this option might be best for group Graduation parties. If you are not flexible with your date/time, be sure to reserve a location early to ensure the best availability.

Decorations/Party Goods

The decorations you select will be somewhat dependent on your party venue. Consider the following options and use or adapt those that are most appropriate for your setting.

Purchase tableware for the event in coordinating school colors, or look for graduation or appropriate theme party goods. Imprint napkins with your child's name, school, and graduation year.

Incorporate coordinating graduation accessories and décor. The options are endless! Consider Personalized Banners, Door Signs, Centerpieces, Card Boxes, Streamers, Garlands, Balloons, Hanging Cutouts, Yard Signs, and Table Confetti.

If your party is at home, don't forget to decorate the outside of your house! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address. Depending on the time of day, twinkling lights add to the party atmosphere. Add them to centerpieces, table decorations, or wall decor to make everything sparkle!

If your child approves, add some personal touches to the decor. This might include school awards, tropies, certificates, sports medals, uniforms, jerseys, hobbies, or photos. Think of creative ways to display these items.

Create a photo display of your child through the years. Incorporate photos from school, family, and friends. Remember that it will take time to assemble and copy photos and create your display - start early!

If your child will be going on to college, include representation of the school's colors and/or logo.

If you must pre-order any decorations ahead of time (balloons, personalized banners, life size photos), be sure to do this far enough in advance to avoid conflicts with other grads.

If you're decorations require set up and/or delivery by someone other than yourself, make sure everyone is clear on delivery times, location, etc. It's good to double-check these details ahead of time to avoid any last minute worries or mix ups.

Music/Games

Your selection of music or games will be totally dependent on the type of party you are having. If these will be part of your event, be sure to pre-plan, especially if your plans require you to book DJs, arrange sound systems, or rent games in advance.

Other Ideas

Personalize your event. From the invitations to the memory/guest books to banners, take the time to create unique one of a kind items that focus specifically on your child.

If it's appropriate for your party, include a guest book, memory book, or autograph photo mat for your guests to share their good wishes for the graduate.

Create a video of your child through the years, set to some of his/her favorite music.

Party Wearables

If it's appropriate, ask your guests to come "dressed" for the theme. Create an "experience" your friends will enjoy!

Favors

Let your budget be your guide. Most likely your guests are not expecting anything. If you do opt for favors consider something personalized with your child's photo and or name/graduation year. This can be as simple as a candy bar!

Food

The type of food you serve will be dependent on several factors, including the location, the size of the group, and the time of day. Taking all these things into consideration, as well as your budget, you may opt for simple snacks, appetizers, or a casual buffet. Whatever you choose, take the extra step to coordinate the food and drinks to the theme of the party as appropriate. Your guests will be impressed, and you will make the event even more memorable!

When preparing your menu, consider that your guests may be coming to your event from other graduation parties. Not everyone will eat, and those who do may not eat much. While you don't want to run out of food, you don't want a lot of food left over. Make some assumptions ahead of time about how many guests will eat, and how much they will eat, and then plan your menu and food accordingly. Foods that you have made previously, that are easy to prepare, or that can be made ahead of time and frozen are best unless you plan to have your event catered. Now is not the time to experiment, unless you have time to prepare ahead of time as a test. The party will be much more enjoyable for you as the host if you are mingling with the guests rather than worrying about the food!

If you are preparing the food yourself, the temptation will be to have more. Try to limit the number of menu items.

Most likely you will have some leftovers. Be prepared with plenty of storage containers, especially if your party is away from home.

More Details

If appropriate, make sure you are prepared to handle trash with trash bags, barrels, and recycling bins.

Be prepared for after the party with thank you notes, stamps, and return address labels.

Make a list ahead of time of party day needs and pull them together prior to the event. This might include serving pieces and utensils, glasses, ice buckets, trays, tables, chairs, cleaning supplies, stationery supplies such as tape, tack, scissors, string, picks, vases, etc.

Don't Forget

Camera, Film, Batteries, Gifts, Cards, Video player, Video screen, extension cords, duct tape

Unexpected

No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!